International SIPP?

Beanieskis · 01-05-2023, 08:05 PM

I’ve recently read Andrew Hallam’s book Millionaire Expat and am reconsidering our portfolio. One point he doesn’t really touch on is existing defined contribution pension schemes accrued before moving overseas. All he says about pensions is to steer clear of QROPS and don’t let anyone convince you to cash in a defined benefit pension pot!

So what are people’s views on international SIPPS for British expats? Worth it in order to move defined contribution pension savings in to index funds? Has anyone done this?

pin · 01-05-2023, 08:35 PM

I moved my pension to AJ Bell.

Can't contribute but was able to move all the money to a vanguard fund.

aw451 · 01-05-2023, 10:32 PM

Following. I'm interested in moving my Aviva pension to something with lower fees

Beanieskis · 02-05-2023, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by aw451:

Following. I'm interested in moving my Aviva pension to something with lower fees

My husband’s is Aviva too. This might sound like a stupid question but we can’t find reference to the fees anywhere! Can see the fees coming out the pot annually but as a % of the current value they’re very low, so think we’re missing something here. Been through all the fact sheets etc. Will need to give them a call unless you know where to direct me to look.

pin · 02-05-2023, 07:17 AM

I was previously with Standard Life. Like you guys had no real idea on fees and what was being invested into.

Now with a Vanguard tracker via AJ Bell.

TheBrit · 02-05-2023, 07:30 AM

These are all personal DC pensions?

Beanieskis · 02-05-2023, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by TheBrit:

These are all personal DC pensions?

In our case these are defined contribution schemes from previous employment in the UK.

aw451 · 02-05-2023, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Beanieskis:

My husband’s is Aviva too. This might sound like a stupid question but we can’t find reference to the fees anywhere! Can see the fees coming out the pot annually but as a % of the current value they’re very low, so think we’re missing something here. Been through all the fact sheets etc. Will need to give them a call unless you know where to direct me to look.

I had to email them to get this information. They are quite responsive.

I am on a "lowish" fee scheme costing just over 1% but that was because my employer sold their huge defined contribution pension book to make up for the deficit in their defined benefit scheme. I'm sure many are in worse plans.